15 Solo Travel Mistakes to Avoid

Last month I was in Scotland where I spent a week in Inverness at a conference followed by five days solo on the Isle of Sky. To get home required a daylong bus ride to Glasgow Airport, one overnight there in a hotel, and a flight the next day. The problem was my hotel.

My mistake: I didn’t check the hotel out on Google’s Street View before booking.

The hotel itself was fine but the neighborhood was sketchy. So much so that my dinner was chips and a chocolate bar from the snack machine in the lobby. Despite a restaurant down the street, I had no intention of wandering around an unknown neighborhood in the dark.

So yes, there are solo travel mistakes to be made, even by those of us who have put on many miles traveling alone. I thought it worth taking a moment to review solo travel from the perspective of what one should NOT do rather than what one should do.

The Isle of Skye. I’ll be writing about this soon.

Solo Travel Mistakes

Not enough planning. To some, planning is almost as much fun as traveling. Not so for me. I like traveling without a plan. However, there is a certain amount of planning that is important. Do your research and know the risks of your destination before you arrive by checking your government’s travel advisory page. Know what documents you’ll need to enter your destination, how you’ll get there, where you’ll spend the first night, and how you’ll pay for things. These are the very basics of planning required.

Arriving at a new destination after dark. This is a mistake I made in Havana in 2006. I have not made it since as it can be really unnerving. Schedule your arrival in a new location early — well before dark so that you can find your accommodation in daylight and have time to change it if you’re not happy.

Traveling without insurance. I never travel without travel insurance and it’s a good thing. Thanks to insurance I’ve had a pair of glasses replaced that were lost in the UK – $300. I had a crown fixed that had come off a tooth in Sydney – $272. I was refunded for a flight to Peru that I couldn’t take due to my mother’s health – $1,100. Read: Going Alone? Travel Insurance is a Must.

Ignoring maps. Studying a map to get a sense of your destination before you go is time really well spent. Knowing what’s north vs. south, east vs. west will help you navigate a city with greater ease. Knowing areas you may want to avoid will help keep you safe.

Being too polite. We are trained to be polite and to keep our voices down in public. But if you are being bothered by someone your best defense is to speak up. Yell, if necessary. Drawing attention of others usually resolves such problems quickly. Before leaving, take some time in your basement or some other appropriate place to find your loud voice. Practice yelling.

Using public WiFi without security. Public WiFi is just that: public. As a result, personal data can be stolen when you use it. In some cases, the data is not that important, but if you are booking a room with your credit card or signing into a website you could be giving away crucial information. The solution is to use a VPN which is an app that can be added to your phone, tablet, and/or computer. Read: VPN for Travel: What, Why and an Easy Setup Guide

Becoming too friendly with a new acquaintance. A new friend in a new land cannot be read the same way as someone from home. They seem great but you don’t really know them and you don’t have the same backup resources you would at home. It’s really important to always stay in a public place with a new acquaintance.

Don’t be a target. If you’re feeling lost or unsure of something, don’t stand around looking vulnerable. Look around with purpose and draw on the support of strangers that you choose, not the ones who choose you. I tend to look for a family.

Distorted priorities. The hierarchy of safety priorities is: your person, your documents, your money, and your stuff. Money is more important than your expensive camera, your documents are more important than money, and your person, your body is more important than anything else. Try to keep everything safe, but if something has to go, make sure it’s the right thing.

Too little sleep or too much to drink. Exhaustion or being even a little drunk can compromise your judgment. Being alert is important. Always be aware of your surroundings, where the exits are, who is with you, and various landmarks to orient yourself. Don’t walk in unfamiliar areas listening to music or talking on your phone so that you are and look distracted. It makes you a mark.

Being lax about security. This is an obvious point. Lock your room carefully. Make sure that the door actually closes behind you. Use your room safe for your valuables when possible.

Traveling without a net. You’re traveling solo but that doesn’t mean that no one should know where you are. Let the desk clerk or some other trusted person know where you’re off to when you leave your hotel. You needn’t make a big deal out of it. Just a casual comment about how excited you are to see this or that could be valuable information should something go wrong. Also, grab the card of your hotel so that you have its name and address on you in the local language.

Going too solo. Be trackable. If you’re going far and for a while, make sure you register with your government as a citizen abroad.

Ignoring your instincts. This is likely the biggest mistake you can make as a solo traveler. If your instincts are telling you that something or someone is not right, trust them. Leave the person or situation.

Traveling solo is a wonderful experience but you, alone, are responsible for your safety. Take good care.

Last updated: 31st October, 2016

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great tips. I travel solo but haven’t done the tip to register with the government as a citizen abroad.. what i do is just tell close friends and family where I am so they can tack my whereabouts.

Joanne McInnes

Just an add on to my notes above. Be sure to invest in sleeves for your credit cards. RFID protection sleeves. I got 4 for $5 at a local luggage store. Someone with a scanner can walk beside you and lift your credit card info without your knowledge and these will prevent that.
Another tip-I was recently in Belize and met a lady from Romania- we had dinner together and she followed the waiter to the cash register so her credit card was never out of her sight.
As much as I have travelled I still have to learn to lay all my clothes out and then cut the amount in half. I still only take a carry on but it is full when I am going which doesn’t leave enough room for souvenirs coming back!!

Susan Woollacott

Google maps when walking ,they always seem to take you the shortest route ,not always the safest ,my walking trip took me through a very dangerous area in “St Paul’s “Minneapolis ” .Check your route out next time with a local ,I know I will.

amelia M.L.

These are not specific to solo, Let’s get serious and warn young first time solo travelers about the dangers of one night stands, Sun, beach, alcohol can be a recipe for a holiday that will be remembered the rest of your life

Thanks for adding this. The post, though still relevant in most ways, is a bit old. I recommend the Charles Schwab card as well. In Canada, you can get the same benefits through their Amazon.ca Visa card.

Amanda

You should also register with the US embassy online to tell them where you will be. In an extreme case like kidnapping they will at least know where to look for you if you don’t return on your scheduled date.

PeacefulLife

I would say as a solo traveler of 2 decades, know yourself and study the area you are traveling to. Inch by inch exploration in any city. No bling. More than one credit card. Pick destinations with good safety articles. Embassy is useless overseas. They don’t care and as one Canadian embassy employee stated, we are not here for people like you. We do business here … When something dreadful did happen they were the worst and caused more problems than protect. Again. Trust yourself and follow your instincts and common sense.

jstraveler

I have to give Chase kudos for their fraud prevention. Also, don’t email them the dates you are gone. Every step is another chance for something to go wrong. Do it through their website. I have never had a problem.

SA

FYI, get a new version of your credit card that has a chip in it. Make your pin only 4 digits, all numbers. You can call most credit card companies COLLECT, number is on the bank of the card. You can also call for free with Skype. Also, you can open a free Charles Schwab checking account which has a ATM debit card that reimburses you for all foreign and ATM fees, so you dont have to worry about carrying a ton of cash. You can visit the ATM as much as you want.

All good tips – especially don’t even check your money belt in public.

Thanks!

Chantileee

Thanks Janice, for the wonderful solo travel hints. I have two more that have saved me from being mugged during my trips. Never stop in public when you are lost to look at your guide or map. Panic travelers become thieves targets. Duck into a coffee shop restroom or convenient store; calm down, ask for directions before you go back on the street. Store your Passport, Travel Insurance, Debit and Credit Cards, and half your cash in a secured money belt under your clothes. NEVER touch it in public, don’t even tug at it; thieves are watching; find a private place to adjust or get out more money, or reassure yourself your valuables are safe. HAVE FUN

Irna are you on facebook Would love to catch up Im a nearly 60 year old and soo wanna do this cheers from Liz Tasmania

mary

Chase is the worst. I have done the same thing, telling them ahead of time. They said if there is an issue call the number on the back. Duh! Can’t call! don’t make issues when I told you ahead of time!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Ed

I had the same thing happen with Chase. I emailed them before my trip to Morocco, giving them exact dates, and receiving their confirmation. The left hand doesn’t talk to the right hand though! After I used my Visa to buy an expensive rug in Fes, I had a fraud alert put on my card. I had to call from my next stop from a hotel phone (since I don’t have international service on my cell phone–nor do I have a SIM card that can be exchanged, nor does my carrier offer service in Morocco). I paid a significant cost for the call, for which I got a receipt. I sent a letter over a month ago with copies of the receipt, my original email notice to them and their confirmation demanding that they credit me for the overseas call. I’ve still not heard back from them. Big banks are just awful, unresponsive, have atrocious customer service–and all this advice about informing them about your travel is worthless because they still will embarrass you by refusing your card and putting fraud alerts on it anyway.

Marcia

Double check with your credit card a day before you leave. Although I informed one particular card of dates I would be in Italy, my card was refused in Venice and put on a ” fraud” alert. It was embarrassing and a real pain! So, always carry more than one.

Joanne McInnes

Very good list~as a seasoned traveller I have experienced most if not all of the above. From the man with the gun in Rome (lack of judgement going with someone to see some ruins), to arriving in Mazatlan having forgotten all my debit and credit cards at home. I also arrived in Alicante, Spain after dark and was taken to a youth hostel that was not finished and had to stay there alone over night. In Madrid I had to give up my passport to stay in a bed and breakfast (most of these events occurred in the 70 and 80s).
Also never travel with more than you can carry. I lived in London for 2 years but when I went back on a trip carrying a big suitcase and a child in a stroller, I got off at a tube station that only had stairs. Lovely helpful Londoners got me up the stairs.
Just a note on credit cards,~always have enough money on the card and carry at least 2 or back up travellers cheques. In 2010, I went to Australia (several stops)-Singapore-Dubai-London- home – in Singapore I had prepaid my hotel for 3 days but the inexperienced man on the desk charged me again. I had to call to Canada to get my limit increased-an interesting note on that was that the credit card company said they would never leave anyone stranded in a foreign country and would always top up your card to get you home- good to know.
This is important too~ some hotels put a $500 hold on credit cards that sometimes isn’t released for a week.
Just a few tips from me. Joanne

Whether the trip is several weeks, or shorter, my best tip is taking lightweight, below the knee shirts in any color with a little black in the pattern. I choose a poly or rayon, non-wrinkling material and then roll them up. The skirts take up the size of a large banana, so I can easily put 4 in my bag. I mix and match the skirts with different tops and I look like a well dressed local anywhere in the world. I think blending in is the safest thing for female solo travelers, especially when entering churches and galleries. It’s also respectful of the different cultures. I recently went on an African Safari, Turkey, Greece, and then a stop over in NYC with no more than a carryon. My other tip is to take a few items that are not worn out but maybe you’re a little tired of. I wear the item and then leave it in the hotel room. I gave all of my safari clothes, at the end of my Africa trip, to the girls at the desk and they were thrilled to have them. This gave me room to buy a few treasures in Greece, Turkey, and NYC.

Lele

I have been living here for 13 yrs, yet to come across an ATM that doesn’t accept VISA. Some shops might deny visa though.

I’d like to prefer option no 3 that we should never go pack too much because It is so difficult to travel. Too much pack is known as tiring travel so we should avoid it. Moreover, all tips useful for wandering…

Very useful tips.thanks for it.I want to share my experience in Dubai, in one line if you really want to experience Dubai please visit http://relishyachtdubai.com/

Jasper

Good advice. One thing I’ve learned the hard way: when you leave your hotel, leave one debit/credit card in the hotel and bring the other. That way, if you get robbed on the street or they break into your room, you’ll always have at least one card left.

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Strevs

Travelling anywhere…..take a sink plug )))

John

Before leaving for your overseas trip, always check the expiry date on your various credit cards when making photocopies of them. Earlier this year, I got caught out while holidaying in Tasmania after flying there from Sydney, my home city. Fortunately, I had plenty of backup but the lesson learnt was a good one. Also, check your cards beforehand to make shore they all work as I was once caught out on this one as well.

Nice tips, but I usually travel completely alone, but can connect easily with friends via iphone.

Footloose

I have travelled alone for a long time. I love the tips that are offered in this post. In 30 years of travelling alone I have learned that the you meet some of the most interesting people along the way and I have written some stories about them. Meeting other solo travelers is fun, they are easy to talk to and have different reasons to solo travelling. Love this Blog. Check out another solo travelers blog in Thailand. I hope to go there sometime soon next year. http://travelersdoor.com/about/ Thanks to all the solo traveler’s here for your tips. Threading without leaving a footprint creating Instagram moments along the way…ahhhh love it!

sa

I’m 56 lady and like to Europe every year, nice to share with you.
from Thailand

Irna

Hi everybody! just to share that last may I did my first solo travel! to Europe, and was a Great experience! and I think I get the courage to do it, here! reading all this information, after been waiting almost two years to friends,….finally I said, NOW or NEVER! (I am 56 woman) and I did it!!! now I am just thinking about my next trip…and still I need to learn a lot more…but I feel I overcome the worst, my fear! now I feel I can do it! I still wishing to meet somebody special to share the experience…but, now I am not seat waiting for somebody….is a lot to see! and WAS A GREAT ADVENTURE!! thank you for the encouragement!

These tips apply to men and women alike but the simple truth is that
women alone are going to be targeted more often than men. Women are
kidnapped for sex trade and rape and women are generally thought to be
easier targets than men, especially in male dominated societies.

Kevin Wade

you have to avoid travel mistakes when you are travelling outside the country. It’s good to know that you have backup if you need it. Carry a cell phone with your emergency Contact Numbers and the local Emergency Numbers programmed in. Also carry a piece of paper with information on where you’re staying written in the
language of the country you’re in.

Last week I was in Paris, and for the two weeks prior, I had been in the UK. My USA debit card was no problem until I was in Paris and there I ran into problems since my card didn’t have the new pin system. I withdrew cash to help the situation. But just wanted to share that I when paying for lunch in a Vietnamese restaurant, when my card wouldn’t work, the owner put my card into a plastic bag, smoothed it down, ran it through the machine again and, Voila! It worked.

JR – the Worldtraveller

Very good Article. I am a solo traveller myself. And yes I agree you can travel alone but still be in touch with people. More less it makes you more open to the community.
Check my thoughts at my sitehttp://www.excitingworldtravels.com
and leave me a kind comment

Thanks Jitka. Yes, having more than one card is a really good idea. I didn’t know the the Netherlands don’t accept Visa often.

Jitka Kuratko

6. Well I thought so and that’s why I chose a “reliable card”. BIG problem if you don’t have Maestro card or Master card in the Netherlands!!! VISA’s are useless there especially when you want to buy tickets for a train.

I live in Toronto and I have started registering with the Canadian Government whenever I travel. On the form they ask for the name of two friends, your destination, etc. I put down my two Power of Attorney’s names. They also ask for your travel insurance numbers. I have two, so I put them down. One covers my medical, etc., from work. In this way, I feel that the Canadian Governent knows my movements, where I am staying, how long I am going to be away. If anything happens, they would know exactly what to do.

Zaina Brown

Wow! I follow NONE of these rules 😛 it’s good advice though..

Ronin Abhi

i would suggest keep a scanned copy of your passport , travel insurance and visa on your email , that way you can access it , plus also check which sort of mobile operators support in the area your going, mostly Gsm is there but Cdma is also used at some places. I also carry my ID in which it has my blood group details and allergies details you know just in case. i may sound over cautious but it helps, one my friends is allergic to peanuts and he ate some food in which they had peanuts , he couldnt speak due to swelling but he showed them his allergic to information card and received immediate treatment.
Solo traveller since 2005 kudos to Janice

Junemoonchild63

I wish I would have done #4 on my first solo trip but will make sure to do so subsequent trips.

Indeed having a photocopy of your passport is key. That’s what helped me secure a replacement visa when my purse, money, iPhone, and passport were stolen in India. Also, were it not for staying at the same guest house for an extended time and having made instant friends there, who knows how I would have secured lodging.
Cheers to all solo travelers.
@NicholeLReber:twitter

Concur! Once while waiting for a friend in mid-morning outside an in-city Mumbai train station, I noticed three men talking clandestinely to themselves and giving me furtive glances. For the first couple of times I thought it was just Indians starting at my gori (white) skin. Then they made their way closer to me. This time they were keeping a watch out to the side. Fortunately they weren’t watching anything else closely. A occupied police truck was parked not 20 feet to my right. I looked back and forth between it and the men before the men finally saw what I was looking at. Immediately, they turned back and left me in peace. That was a scary moment.
@NicholeLReber:disqus

Another hard way to learn the lesson is when you realize that you need to seat on your luggage to zip it!

Travel_and_Escape_Community

Traveling solo can be such a wonderful experience. Sometimes journey’s are meant to take alone rather than with a partner. For example, the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage in Spain is said to be most enjoyable when done alone: http://www.travelandescape.ca/2012/05/alone-on-the-camino-de-santiago/

These are great tips! Thank you for sharing.

Bikebloke

Learn to listen to your intuition. Whether it be an area of a city you’re exploring (if you like to go walkabout, like me) or with someone you meet.

Samadhi67

All points well noted! thanks

Summi S

Very useful post for solo travelers. Having traveled solo I find every point listed here is true!

solotraveler

Yes, confidence is a very big factor in being safe. I have a post on that in the archives. I’ll bring it forward on Facebook tomorrow.

VacayGirl

Very good blog on solo travel indeed. I just recently took a solo trip to Cabo and I feel exuding confidence is helpful too. And with that I mean walk with your head up and not down staring at your feet or acting nervous. Perception is key when traveling alone and you want surrounding people to believe that you aren’t a frightened tourist but a confident tourist. They might even be under the impression that you live there.

This is a fantastic article with some really great advice for traveling solo. In addition to the tips you have, I would also make sure to read up on the area’s local customs and mannerisms so that you don’t offend any locals while you are traveling. For example, it may be disrespectful to look directly in someone’s eyes or to wear a sleeveless shirt inside a church. These are good things to learn before you visit so that you don’t do anything to compromise your safety.

if anyone ever pulls a knife on you, toss your money/purse/wallet at the feet of the assailant then run like hell. never hand it to them. the thief will be more interested in the loot than grabbing you which will give you time to get away

#6 is always a must I would also suggest contacting your credit card company and telling them where you will be traveling so they don’t deny the cash advance or purchase thinking the card is being misused.

I would like to add that most airlines now offer travel insurance through a third party when you purchase your airfare, and as you said, it is inexpensive. Definitely worth it to have peace of mind to know you’re covered in the event of an unforeseen circumstance!

I would also add registering your trip with the US Embassy and emailing a copy of your passport to yourself (as well as having a copy on you).

Great article on solo travel and mistakes to avoid – point 5 is critical. Do not under estimate the value of travel insurance. Sadly I had a friend who tragically died out in Spain in a moped accident and did not have travel insurance. It cost his parents thousands of pounds to have his body flown back, they had to remortgage their house. Depressing story I know…but just don’t want anyone else to make that same mistake. The cost of travel insurance is cheap nowadays and i’m glad you linked to the Post Office as they are one of the best providers. Keep up the great work with your site, keep safe 🙂

About Solo Traveler

I'm an author, writer, speaker and traveler. I became a widow and empty-nester at about the same time. And then, I became a Solo Traveler. Full Story >>

I'm a writer, editor, food and wine fanatic, and traveler. On my very first trip abroad I learned that solo travel was for me. Full Story >>

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